Vagabonds or Pilgrims and Strangers

I've been thinking about all the places I've lived. To begin with in Salinas alone there were dozens of places. Many times since I have grown into adulthood, I have wondered why our family moved so much. Always rented. Sometimes just next door, a time or two only down the street. Was my family looking for a better place? What would "better" mean to them? Did they get behind on the rent and feel they needed to move on?

I've traced those places many times in my mind and feel like I could still find most all of them. I have memories from each one. And of course, many of them meant changing schools, new teachers, new friends, etc. Most were welcomed, some not so much.

And since I've married we've lived in many places. Four different states, three different countries. Two different continents and I don't know how many different counties. And, of course, I have a myriad of memories stored from each of these places. Oh the places I have been, the people I have met, and the things I have done! Eat your heart out, Dr. Seuss!

The Bible says we are pilgrims and strangers on this earth. And for us, that has been so true even in a literal sense. I hope and pray that none of it has been in vain. I pray that everywhere we have been we have touched and changed lives for the better. I know my life was changed a little with each move, with each new person. With the unexpected friends I met in such unexpected places.

Wherever I have lived, wherever we have been, whatever I have done, this has always been the constant; You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. Thank you, Lord. You are the rock I can lean on. I trust you. You know me and yet you love me. Thank you, Lord.